I’ve been living with an invisible disability since I was thirteen. I first began to notice that I had some symptoms during the summer. I noticed that my knees and fingers would get very swollen in the morning which is something I’d never experienced before. I also began to feel stiffness each morning and found it very difficult to get out of bed. Simple tasks such as walking long distances and upstairs became a challenge for me. My energy levels weren’t as normal, and I found it difficult writing for long periods of time in school.

Due to the pain and extreme fatigue, I missed several months of school. I spent several weeks in the hospital and doctor’s office. After being hospitalised and getting a series of tests, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis at age 13. I was then transferred to a rheumatologist (someone who works with joints) for further treatment. My life after being diagnosed took quite a turn. It was a shock to hear that diagnosis because at that point I believe that only adults and the elderly can get arthritis. My life after being diagnosed consisted of several appointments on a monthly basis to hospitals for MRIs, and physiotherapy. This definitely took a toll on my mental health as it was a lot of change happening at once.

What is Juvenile Arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis is a disease, which starts before the age of 16, where there is a swelling of the tissue that lines the inside of joints. This means one or more joints are inflamed, swollen, painful, stiff and they may not have as much range of movement as other joints.

According to Arthritis Ireland, each year approximately 1 in 10,000 children in Ireland is diagnosed with JIA making it almost as common as childhood diabetes. It can begin at any age, although it’s more common in younger children and while it can develop in both boys and girls, most types are more common in girls.

What has helped with my invisible disability?

My faith

There have been a few things that have helped me over the last few years. Depending on the type of disability and person themselves, some people may find different things helpful so it’s worth finding out what works for you. For me personally, being a Christian definitely helped me a lot in changing my perception of what it meant to have an invisible disability and understanding that an illness is a very small part of who a really person is. I think it’s really important to know that an invisible disability does not define you as a person. My faith definitely made the recovery process and diagnosis a lot easier to accept and understand.

Extra supports in school

In Ireland, there are many different supports available today, getting in contact with an occupational therapist was very useful as I was able to receive support such as ebooks and a laptop which helped greatly in classes where a lot of writing was involved. There is also the DARE scheme and availing of some of the supports under the scheme, such as getting a scribe, or being able to use a laptop to type exams was very helpful for me in the beginning.

Meeting other young people with invisible disabilities

Meeting young people with similar experiences was really useful for me to come to terms with the diagnosis. I also went to workshops and camps led by Arthritis Ireland and got in contact with ICAN Ireland where tips and advice was given on how to manage with juvenile arthritis as a young person. I also believe having a great care team is helpful. A care team is usually a group of professionals such as a rheumatologist, paediatrician and physical therapist who all work together to support you.

Self-care

I found taking time to myself to just rest and recuperate to be really helpful. I think it’s very helpful to understand the importance of self-care and rest and how beneficial it can be to your mental and physical health.

What I like people to know about invisible disabilities

There are many misconceptions about arthritis and invisible disabilities such as ‘people with invisible disabilities need constant minding’ which is completely untrue. People shouldn’t assume that people with invisible disabilities are unable or not capable of doing something simply because they have a disability. People with the same disabilities are not the same. When I was first diagnosed with Arthritis, people used to compare me to their grandparents in a way to relate to the pain I was experiencing which I found quite uncomfortable. There is no ‘one shoe fits all’ with invisible disabilities and different people experience things differently.

At times the pain of people with invisible disabilities is not validated as it’s not visible to everyone, so I think it’s important that we raise awareness about all types of invisible disabilities. It’s also important to listen and be patient. I think it’s important to remember that people with invisible disabilities are still people at the end of the day and that people with invisible disabilities do not want your sympathy. Just like everyone else we have bad days and it’s important to acknowledge and empathise with that. I think people should also know that a disability is a very small aspect of who a person is and not everyone wants to discuss their disability on a regular basis.

The ISSU has launched a back-to-school mental health resource “How’s Your Head”, aiming to help students to get back on track mentally on their return to school. It includes information on topics such as anxiety, stress, bereavement and mental health services.

Launch of ‘How’s your Head – A Guide to Staying Afloat Post-COVID-19’

The initiative, led by ISSU Donegal Regional Officer India Kennedy and supported by the National Student Executive, has also been supported by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, the ETB National Parents’ Association.

At the launch, India noted “I’m delighted to finally be able to launch the manual which is available for every second level student in the country. Mental health is a serious problem in Ireland today especially given the current circumstances. I, myself have had my own personal struggles with mental health so I wanted to put something together for students so that when they were feeling down, they had this resource to support them. I’m so grateful for the support I received and hope that the manual is beneficial for students”.

ISSU President Reuban Murray commended India on her work, saying “ The ISSU is a youth-led organisation whose members have been real leaders in representing students during the disruption caused by COVID-19. While we work towards creating a more holistic education system, initiatives like this can hopefully bridge the gap and support students in the coming months.”

Increased support for students

The ISSU also had campaigned during the summer for increased support for students on the return to school, in collaboration with the Institute of Guidance Counselors (IGC), UNICEF Ireland and the National Parents’ Council Post-Primary (NPCPP). The ISSU welcomed the announcement of increased guidance counsellor hours for the upcoming academic year, and with this resource aims to enable students to help themselves and their peers during this transition time.

A physical copy of the ‘How’s Your Head’ manual will be shared with ETB and ISSU member schools. The full resource is available online to all students at issu.ie/mental-health-manual.

I have had mental health difficulties since I was a young child, but they didn’t come to light until I was 14 and admitted to hospital for Anorexia Nervosa. During my admission I found out I also had depression and anxiety too. In hospital, I had brilliant nurses who never made me doubt that recovery was possible. I’ve accepted that while I can work and have a great, fully functioning life, there will probably always be times when I need some extra support. I feel no shame in dipping in and out of counselling because to me it’s no different than if I needed extra support at times for a physical illness. Unfortunately not everyone sees it the same way.

Sharing my mental health story

There have been people who told me that I shouldn’t speak out about my mental health as it makes me look weak. I know that this isn’t true because I have had plenty of people thank me for sharing my story, saying it made them feel more comfortable and less alone. If more people had open conversations about mental health I would have spoken out sooner about what I was going through and gotten support earlier. So I know these comments are not true, but it can still be tiring always explaining the importance of speaking about mental health.

People have questioned why I take medication for mental health. ‘Would you not try come off those?’ to which I always reply ‘would you ask me the same question if I was an asthmatic who needs an inhaler?’ Because the answer is always no. I believe that if it’s normal to take medication for physical illnesses then it should be just as normal to take medication for mental illness if needed.

How my mental health has impacted my career

These stigmas do scare me though. When I applied to do a pre-nursing PLC I never disclosed that I had a history of mental illness in fear I wouldn’t be accepted. I was accepted and loved it. I struggled a lot towards the end of the course. My anxiety flared up and I began to suffer with stress vomiting. I told a lecturer what was going on and was met with massive amounts of support and reassurance. She told me she wished that I had said about my mental health at the start of the year so that they could have additional support for me throughout the year which was the loveliest surprise to hear.

We need more people to speak up

I applied to do psychiatric nursing in the UK as well as in Ireland. A university in the UK invited me over where I did an English test, maths test and five face-to-face interviews. During one of the interviews I was asked why I wanted to be a mental health nurse. I couldn’t lie. I explained how I had had an eating disorder in the past, and how from the help and support of mental health nurses not only did I get better and begin my recovery journey, I also realised that I had nothing to be ashamed of. She thanked me for my honesty, congratulated me on my recovery and told me that it’s people like me that they need more of, people who genuinely understand what mental health difficulties are like and have compassion. I was offered a place in the course and a room in student accommodation on campus.

I applied to the DARE scheme on my CAO and was offered my dream course of psychiatric nursing. Before we could embark on our first mental health nursing placement, we had to meet with Occupational Health (OC). When it came to filling out the OC Health forms there was a question asking ‘do you or have you ever suffered with mental illness?’ and a box to tick for yes or no. Old me would have ticked no straight away in fear of being judged however I had made it here with my past known and supported. I also thought about how I am now about to start out in a career where I will promote and encourage recovery as well as education about stigma, so surely I must practice what I preach, and with that I ticked yes.

Negative experiences sharing my story

An OC Health nurse saw I had ticked yes to mental illness and asked about it. I told her honestly about my experience but unfortunately didn’t get a positive response this time. She told me she needed my previous psych evaluations and I would also need to be evaluated by one of their doctors. She pulled my sleeve up to check for self harm marks without asking. It made me feel very uneasy. I had no problem showing her my arms, all she had to do was ask. I phoned my GP and asked him to send my psych evaluations. I told him what had happened and he was horrified. He said I was being discriminated against and I was in no way obligated to share these files with her. I begged him to send them just to keep the OC team happy. He finally agreed and said that my previous evaluations were not a reflection of who or where I am now. He included a letter of his own evaluation of me currently to reflect my wellbeing.

The next time I saw said nurse I had found out my placement location and making small talk I told her and how excited I was for it. She replied ‘you won’t be going anywhere until we know you’re safe.’ This hurt a lot. She spoke to me like I was a criminal.

Supporting others going forward

When I got back to college I went to the disability officer and she was horrified. Shortly after, the Head of Nursing issued me with an apology on behalf of the college and told me that they would be making a complaint to Occupational Health. It felt good to have their support but I still felt uneasy about how I’d been treated. For the rest of the year I was afraid to say if I was feeling down or stressed in fear of being judged or labelled ‘unfit to work’. But with the continued support of a fantastic college, lecturers and family I am now stronger than ever and have no shame or fear in sharing my story or the reasons which led me to nursing.

Recovery is possible

My past struggles have allowed me to make huge progress with patients I have cared for. While they would never be aware of my past, I am able to empathise with them on a deeper level which they trust. I am now starting my final year of psychiatric nursing and cannot wait to see where my career and advocacy takes me. Recovery is a tough ongoing journey, not everyone will be kind but it is an important and possible journey. My mental health journey has been challenging but has made me the person and professionals I am today.

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At SpunOut.ie, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people from migrant backgrounds in Ireland is a priority for us. In order to create content that responds to the needs of young people from migrant backgrounds, we are looking to hear from you. If you are a young person aged 16-25 living in Ireland who comes from a migrant background, or if your family comes from a migrant background please take our short survey to share with us your experiences of mental health and accessing mental health services in Ireland.

Sharing your experiences with us will help us create content that responds to the genuine needs of young people from migrant backgrounds. Take our survey now.

Get Involved with SpunOut.ie

If you are a young person living in Ireland from a migrant background and are interested in creating content with us, we would love to hear from you. Whether you choose to write an article, or record a video or podcast, our Head of Volunteering Heather can work with you to help share your story. Find out more about creating content with us.

Join our Traveller Action Panel

At SpunOut.ie we have Youth Action Panels. The Action Panels are groups of young people sharing their opinions on what content is created on our site and raising awareness of the issues that are important to young people. There are six panels in total that take place across the country, due to COVID-19 panel meetings currently take place online. If you are aged 16-25 and would be interested in joining the panel, we would love to hear from you. You can apply to be on the Action Panel by filling out this form, or by emailing Timmy, our Head of Engagement and Participation at [email protected].

On Tuesday 15th September, SpunOut.ie and Global Action Plan are running a free online workshops taking action on the local or global issues that matter to you. In this workshop you’ll learn more about the global goals, and how you can take positive action in your local community, nationally or internationally.

This session is being run by Global Action Plan. They’ll help you understand more about the issues that are important to you, how to identify the root causes and problems, and how to take action as an individual or with others.

If there are issues you’re passionate about in your life and you want to see some positive change, this session will hopefully set you on your activism path and give you the knowledge and tools needed to make a change.

Sign up now for the workshop

Workshop FAQ

Who can sign up for this workshops

This workshop is for anyone 16-25 and living in Ireland.

Do I need to travel for this workshop?

No, the workshop will be held online through Zoom. We’ll send you the Zoom link before the session and you can log in a few minutes before the workshop starts.

I can’t make this workshop, are there others I can go to?

Yes, we have a series of workshops in 2020 that are free, online, and open to anyone 16-25 and living in Ireland. Our workshops will cover topics like climate justice, LGBT+ inclusion, mental health, podcasting and creating videos, and more. Find out more here.

I have other questions about this workshop

If you have any questions about this or future workshops, feel free to email our Head of Volunteer Heather ([email protected]).

Sign up now for the workshop

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over and going to school during this time can be a different experience for everybody. Some people enjoy getting back into their routine and seeing their school friends, but for others, the idea of going to school can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. 

Knowing what to expect and what you can do to keep yourself, your classmates and your teachers safe will help you to feel comfortable in school.

Avoiding the spread of COVID-19 in school

It is really important that all staff and students follow good hygiene practices when in school. This means:

What happens if someone in my school has COVID-19?

If you are not feeling well or you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, it is very important that you stay home from school. Going to school means risking spreading the virus to others. Find out more about getting tested for COVID-19.

If someone starts to feel unwell while they’re in school, and they are showing symptoms of COVID-19, they will be brought to an area of the school to isolate before they are sent home. Those who have been in close contact with the person may be contacted by the HSE to arrange testing. Any area where the student spent time will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The school will assess the situation to decide what to do next.

Getting support for your mental health during COVID-19

Everyone will be getting used to these new changes, so give yourself time to adjust to a new way of doing things and remember you are not on your own. If you are finding it difficult to adjust, it’s okay to ask for support. Reach out to your school guidance counsellor, a teacher, or someone at home and let them know how you’re feeling. You could also consider contacting our free text support service 50808:

My name is Aoife, I am nineteen years old and I have lived my whole life with invisible disabilities. At the age of six I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and when I was fourteen I was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which is a rare connective tissue disorder that causes, amongst other things, flexible joints and chronic pain. Together, these conditions affect just about every facet of my life, both for the better and for the worse.

Supports for people with invisible disabilities

My experience of living with invisible disabilities in Ireland has been a very mixed bag, especially when it comes to the supports I’ve received. I have horror stories for days, but I have also met some of the most supportive people along the way. I’m so lucky to have an amazing group of friends who love me for who I am – including my disabilities and not in spite of them.I have also had some incredibly supportive teachers over the years. Overall, though, I do not think that there are enough supports available for people with my conditions. For people with autism, the (rather sparse) services are almost entirely geared towards children, often focusing on special schools and ASD units. There is little to no specialist help for autistic adults such as myself. In terms of EDS, there is no expertise that I know of in Ireland. I had to travel to England to get my diagnosis, after years of running in circles back home. While I have received some physiotherapy and occupational therapy for chronic pain management, the support, by-and-large, just isn’t there.

Learning more about visible and invisible disabilities

I don’t think there is enough of an understanding of invisible disabilities in Ireland. I myself believe strongly in the social model of disability. The social model says that what makes someone disabled is not their specific condition, but rather the structures and attitudes of the society they live in. Prejudices and ignorance are what makes life difficult for people with disabilities, and I think that a lot of people just aren’t as aware of invisible disabilities as they should be. It’s the simple everyday things that add up to form a society that is unwelcoming for the disabled: people casually using hurtful words people making fun of autistic people’s fidgeting and stimming, people assuming that just because a person looks healthy, they don’t need to sit down on public transport. While any one of these individual actions may seem relatively harmless on their own, when combined they create a society that feels intolerant and that is not willing to learn. The most important thing that any non-disabled person can do is to be open to educating themselves and making adjustments in order to include disabled people. Accessibility is so much more than ramps and braille, and the sooner the general public learns this, the better.

“I simply would not be the same person”

One huge misconception about invisible disabilities, in my opinion, is that we’re all miserable souls praying for a cure. For many of us, this simply is not true – it is quite the opposite. If someone came to me in the morning and said that they could magically make any of my disabilities go away, there is absolutely no way I would do it. Being disabled is so closely tied into my identity. Having my disabilities has made me the resilient young woman that I am today. This is especially true for people with autism: a huge amount of my personality and interests – who I am as a person- is shaped by the fact that I have autism. This is a good thing! Yes, having autism means that sometimes I don’t know how to talk to my peers. I get overwhelmed in crowds and anxious when there’s a change of plan, and I still haven’t quite mastered the art of eye contact, but autism also means I’m hugely passionate. I can research my special interests for hours, and recall all sorts of information, and learn song lyrics really quickly. I have a great eye for detail and am hugely empathetic. If I wasn’t autistic, if I wasn’t disabled, I simply would not be the same person.

There’s a lot that our able-bodied counterparts can do to help the disabled community. But mainly, it all comes down to listening to people with disabilities. Don’t treat us like children. Value our contributions. We all have so much to say, if we are just given the space to say it. Never assume that you know someone’s full story just by looking at them. I can guarantee that you know far more disabled people than you may think.

This article was developed in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

Many college courses will now be taught through ‘blended learning’, which means there will be a mixture of online classes off campus and face to face classes on campus. It will take time for you to get used to this new style of learning and adjust to spending a larger portion of your college experience at home.

Many students struggle with their motivation when they’re trying to work from home. Without the structure and routine of lectures, and the experience of being on campus surrounded by other students, it can be difficult to stay focused. If you find yourself procrastinating, you’re not alone. There are things you can try that can help you to get your work done.

Tips for staying motivated

Here are some things you might find useful to keep motivated.

Remind yourself of your goals

Sometimes we can struggle to find motivation because what we are working towards might be unclear or too far in the future for it to motivate us. It can help to think about the reasons why you are studying, what you enjoy about the course, what you want to get out of it and the experiences or accomplishments you would like to have along the way. Writing these motivators down and keeping them somewhere you can see them could be useful. Making a vision board or even displaying different post-its in your study space can be a creative way to keep your motivations in mind.

Create a virtual study space

One of the reasons people may find working or studying from home is that they are not around and can’t physically see other people who are in the same situation as them. Setting up an online study space with friends or people from your course could be a good way to check in and support each other while studying. You could do this outside of your virtual learning environment (VLE) for college over zoom or other social media platforms to make it feel a bit more social. It also creates a sense of connection, shared experience and you can ask each other about any issues that may be coming up for you in your coursework. It can help with your motivation to know that other people are working alongside you.

Have a schedule that includes breaks

Creating a study plan or schedule can help to add some structure to your day. Make sure to slot in the times or dates where you have face to face classes on campus. On the days where you have online classes at home, it can help to plan out your day to fit in meals, breaks and any other responsibilities you may have that day. This can be useful in keeping you on track as you know what you need to focus on.

Stay connected with other people

Making friends and meeting new people is a big part of the college experience and can help you feel more connected to college life. It can help with motivation to get college work done in an allocated time when you know you have other social commitments planned during the week. It’s also a good idea to keep in contact with college staff and lecturers to stay engaged with your coursework.

Step away from your phone

Our phones can be a distraction, especially when we are struggling to get motivated. Leaving your phone in a different room while you are doing college work might be helpful. There are also some apps you can download to help minimise phone use or mute notifications which can be distracting and allow us to procrastinate our work further. A timeout from your phone during certain times of the day can help you be more productive. Check out the app store on your phone to find an option that will suit you best.

Give yourself time to adjust

As with the start of any college term, or starting college if you are in first year, it will take time to get used to a new timetable, new topics and the addition of new ways of learning online. Give yourself time to become familiar with this new routine. If you do feel like you are struggling to stay motivated over time it’s important and ask for help when you need it. Your Students’ Union can also be a good point of contact for tips, advice and guidance on college life. You can also check out the mental health and wellbeing supports available to college students.

Feeling overwhelmed or anxious?

If you feel overwhelmed by the current situation and need someone to talk to, our anonymous, 24 hour text line is always open. You’re worth talking about and we’re here to listen and support you.

With our world shifting to a greener and more sustainable future, public transport has been thrust into the spotlight. This is an area in which much of the debate of sustainability has been centred. Yet public transport has more to offer than just environmental benefits. It is an economic and social goldmine, one that has been underfunded and underdeveloped for too long in Ireland. This is seen most strikingly in rural Ireland, or rather anywhere in Ireland apart from the cities.

Rural transport in Ireland

With high prices and odd timetables, public transport in the countryside is inaccessible and inconvenient. There is simply no incentive to use them, but that does not mean people do not want them. There is a plethora of benefits for a well-funded public transport system, economically as well as socially

Economic Benefits

Career Opportunities

A better funded transport system that connects local communities together will need local bus drivers and train operators who know the locality. This means career opportunities for smaller communities around Ireland, something which is a perennial problem for many young people in particular. The lack of employment opportunities in rural Ireland forces young people to migrate to the cities, which then deprives the countryside of infrastructure investment as the cities need to cope with this influx of people. Investing in infrastructure and the roles that come with that, is investing in young people’s employment opportunities.

Encouraging local investment

Keeping labour in local communities may incentivise businesses to migrate to the countryside. Employers would also have access to a larger pool of labour if workers could easily move from town to town. We see this already in towns which have a railway station. They are typically more developed and better funded than towns without, because businesses are encouraged to invest in the local infrastructure in order to increase their own revenues. In areas of rural Ireland, where private investment has been sparse, a great public transport system could ignite successful economic development, key to its survival.

Increases competition

If the consumers can easily choose which town/village to shop in, thanks to reliable and consistent public transport, it allows for increased competition between the small businesses. A competitive market keeps businesses on their toes, reducing prices or making attractive promotions. It also encourages businesses to get creative and get involved with the local communities. Small businesses often sponsor community activities and events, raising and donating funds. This is great for the community but also for the image of the business. Everyone profits.

Social Benefits

Mental health

It is difficult to measure what a social benefit is. However, from my perspective as a young person, being able to see friends and family with ease would be incredible for mental health. For the elderly it may help combat rural isolation, a rather invisible issue that deserves a topic of its own. The reduction in loneliness and isolation, as this pandemic has shown, does an enormous amount of good for our mental health. A healthier mind means a healthier body.

Youth independence

Becoming independent of a parent or guardian is a journey every young person must take. Reducing your reliance on lifts is something a lot of young people would appreciate. A consistent public transport system will allow for greater independence for young people. It allows young people to connect and develop relationships outside of school that are also cross-community.

Closer communities

Linking villages and towns together will create a wider sense of community which is essential for those communities which have steeply declined over the decades. Inter-community projects or friendly competition would be easily facilitated if say a club could take a bus that was not privately hired to another town. The sense of belonging is at the centre of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, highlighting its importance for everyone. This can be cultivated through a great public transport system.

Socialising

Humans are generally social butterflies. Coming into contact with one another, feeling a part of the community, are things many of us could not live without. We desire to wander and meet each other and a successful system of public transport will achieve just that.

What Can We Do?

The Program For Government makes weak commitments to public transport, promising at best to “review” the current system. To fund rural transportation there must be political will in the Oireachtas to do so. This can only come from us, the people. You and I, and every Joe Soap can put pressure on our local representatives. As young people, we are in a unique position to influence our future, a future in which local communities are better connected. We need to show the Oireachtas that this is a huge issue for all of us. Writing letters, emailing, and attending TD Constituency clinics are all ways in which to promote the importance of a properly funded public transport system. Creating campaigns in local youth clubs and your schools are another great way to shine light on this. County Councils are responsible for our roads. Write to them too. A better road network will encourage investment in public transport. Any way in which you can raise awareness on this issue will be worth it. You have the ability to demand your future, use it.

Our current system cannot stay. In order for our country to progress we need a proper, well thought out, public transport system.

This article was developed in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

Some college courses hold all or some of their lectures online instead of in person. This is called blended learning. 

If you are starting a blended college course, you may be wondering how you can enjoy the college experience and make new friends if you rarely get to interact with your classmates in person. Spending most of your time in college virtually can bring new challenges, but there are still ways in which you can connect and make new friends when only seeing them from time to time. Here are some suggestions of ways to make friends while taking part in blended learning.

How to make friends in college when doing classes online

It takes time to adjust to online learning. Here are some ways you can get to know people in college:

Talk to your class rep

Normally, at the start of the academic year your class will vote in a class representative who will then organise events for the class throughout the year and bring any issues the group may have to the Students’ Union. When attending college through blended learning, the role of your class rep might be slightly changed but they will still be there throughout the year to support you. From the beginning of the semester, they will organise events and help guide you through the new experience of blended learning. If you have any concerns or are feeling isolated or finding it difficult to make friends, speak to them and they can help you to become more involved in your class. 

You will also have the opportunity to run for class rep if you would like to take on that role for the class. Being class rep can be a great way to be fully involved with your class and year, but it can also be a lot of responsibility so be prepared to put the work in. 

Join a class WhatsApp group

Your class rep can set up a class WhatsApp or Facebook group to help you all meet each other and stay in touch. Actively taking part in that can help to make connections with others in the group. You will also be able to keep up with plans and activities that might be organised for your class, and be able to discuss your lecturers and assignments that are ongoing.

Join a club or society

Joining clubs and societies is a great way to meet other students. You will have an orientation week at the beginning of the semester. During orientation week, you will receive emails from your Students’ Union and probably from a variety of clubs and societies in your college. They will let you know about upcoming events and how to get involved with them. If you want to try and make new friends, getting involved in a club or society can be a really good way to do so. As blended learning is quite a new experience for everyone, the clubs and societies are making an extra effort to come up with new ways to help people socialise. As a member of a society, you may also be able to get more involved and sit on their board. Becoming a committee or board member can be a lot of work, but it is also a great way to meet people and feel part of something bigger. 

Join a team

Joining a sports team is a great way to make friends as you can meet in person and spend time together training. During orientation week, you will be able to find information about the different teams that run on campus. Even if you may not have played much sport previously, there will be some sort of team to suit everyone and they accept people of all standards. Get in touch with the team you are interested in and they will be able to let you know when training is and what you need to do to take part.

Take part in online events

There are plenty of ways to socialise online such as holding table quizzes via Zoom and playing games together online. If you want to make friends, it might be a good idea to attend these sort of events. If no one is running them, you could consider organising them yourself. Your classmates are in the same position as you so they are likely actively looking for ways to make connections with the people on their course.

This article was developed in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

Starting college can be a new and exciting experience but it can also come with difficulties. Leaving secondary school or going into a new course where you do not know anyone can be a daunting experience and it can leave you feeling lonely and isolated. What is important to remember is that if you do experience a mental health difficulty during college, there are always mental health supports to help and that you are not alone. 

Your mental health is something that is always with you, but many people only associate mental health with experiencing a mental health difficulty. As with physical health, your mental health needs continuous care and attention to help keep it healthy. The idea of positive mental health is not that you will never experience a mental health difficulty, but that you can make choices to help promote overall health and wellbeing that can support you throughout your life.

Getting mental health support in college

If you would like some support with your mental health, or just need someone to talk to, find out about services available to you below.

If you access multiple services as part of your mental health care, it is recommended that you inform these services of one another so that they can work together to support you. This is called multidisciplinary, joined up or wrap-around care. Speak to your service provider in your college to discuss the best way to make this happen.

Seeing a college counsellor

If you experience a mental health difficulty while at college or if you would like to talk to someone about a past or current experience that may be negatively affecting your life, there will be supports available at your college to help you. Most of the colleges in Ireland offer free counselling to their students and provide online resources to help support students’ mental health wellbeing also.

You can also read our article on mental health supports available at third level to find out more about about the supports that your college may offer. College counsellors are part of the academic environment, so they will have specific knowledge on further supports available to you if your academic progress is being negatively impacted.

College Disability Service

If you have a diagnosed mental health condition, it is recommended that you get in touch with the college disability service. They provide a range of supports during your time in college. Find out more about college supports for students with disabilities.

Student Health Centre

Most colleges have an on-campus or close-to campus medical service. These usually provide no cost or low cost access to doctors and other health professionals. You will be able to find more information about your student health centre on your college’s website. If you are feeling worried about speaking to a GP (doctor) about your mental health, you can find more advice on how to do so in our article about going to see your GP for a mental health difficulty. 

Helplines for students

If you want in-the moment support, get in touch with a helpline:

Text About It 

Text About It is a first of its kind for Ireland. It is a free 24/7 text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis – big or small. 

From breakups or bullying, to anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings, their Crisis Volunteers are available 24/7 for anonymous text conversations. Their aim is to provide immediate support in the short term and connect people to resources that will help them in the future.

Free-text  HELLO  to  50808  to begin.

NiteLine

NiteLine  is a listening, support and information service run by and for the students of:

Their volunteers go through a rigorous screening and training programme based on the Samaritans model and run with the help of the college counselling services.

Their services include:

Samaritans

Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental support, 24 hours a fay for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

Call for free on 116 123.

Pieta House

Pieta House  provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal thoughts, or bereaved by suicide.

Free counselling services for young people

If you would like to see a counsellor outside of your college campus, these services are available:

Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a national centre for youth mental health, They focus on intervening early to support the mental health of those aged 12 to 25 years of age. Jigsaw operates 14 services in communities across Ireland. They offer a place you can visit for free with confidential support from trained mental health professionals.

The services Jigsaw offer include:

Turn2Me

Turn2Me are a community of fully qualified and accredited mental health professionals that work online to provide a high quality, safe, anonymous and confidential space for you to gain support – wherever you are, whenever you need them, for whatever you are going through. 

The services Turn2me offer include:

Other support services

Here are some other organisations who may be able to offer support based on your situation:

BeLonG To (for LGBTI+ young people)

BeLonG To youth services is the national organisation supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people between 14 and 23 years in Ireland.

Services include:

The services are confidential, free-of-charge and welcoming to all young people. Visit Belongto.org  for more information.

Women’s Aid

Women’s Aid is a domestic violence service for women and children in Ireland. They offer advice and practical support for women and children who are being physically, emotionally and sexually abused in their own homes.

Men’s Aid

Men’s Aid specialise in supporting men experiencing domestic violence, whether this is ongoing or in a past relationship. They provide specialist counselling, practical information and legal options, while respecting and supporting you in all your decisions should you decide to leave or stay in the relationship.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a national organisation offering a wide range of services to any person affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or childhood sexual abuse.

Their services include:

TENI

TENI is a non-profit organisation supporting the trans community in Ireland. TENI seeks to improve the situation and advance the rights and equality of trans people and their families. Visit Teni.ie  to find out more.

Mental Health Supports in Northern Ireland

Shout

Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

Text SHOUT to 85258 to begin.

Mind

Mind is a mental health organisation that offers emergency advice, freephone helplines and mental health resources to those experiencing mental health difficulty. Find out more about Mind. 

This article was developed in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

Going to university and college can be an amazing experience but it can also come with added stress and pressure such as college work, new relationships and finding work/life balance.

If during the academic year you experience difficulty with your mental health or for any reason would like to speak to a counsellor, your institution is there to support you.

Many counselling services are offering remote sessions by video or telephone to continue to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

College counselling services in Ireland

Find your college below:

University counselling services

IT Counselling services

Other colleges

University counselling services

Dublin City University (DCU)

The DCU counselling service offers one-to-one counselling and support to students. They can work with students on a number of topics, from dealing with college, to relationship or family issues, or anything else that might be impacting on your mental health. The counselling service provides support in a non-judgmental and open manner. This includes support and help at a time of immediate crisis.

The service also offers online wellbeing information and resources including mental health advice an information and resources, lunchtime workshops and other skills programmes.

Find out more about the DCU counselling service.

Maynooth University (MU)

The Maynooth University Counselling Service offers counselling to Maynooth students. They are currently available to offer both face-to-face appointments and phone consultations. The service is by appointment during this COVID-19 pandemic. To make an appointment you can call (01) 708 3554. Find out more about the MU counselling service.

NUI Galway (NUIG)

The counselling service at NUI Galway are providing online counselling to all their students during COVID-19. To make an appointment, email [email protected]. Counselling is available to all full and part-time students, including undergraduates and postgraduates. Find out more about the NUIG counselling service.

Technological University Dublin (TUD)

The TUD Counselling Services offers a comprehensive Step Care Model of development and support to all registered students. All students are offered an Initial Assessment Appointment with a member of the counselling team, where their needs are assessed and a range of options will be explored. In addition to any mental health Issues you may be experiencing, you can talk about personal problems or academic concerns that may be troubling you, in a private and confidential atmosphere.

Due to COVID-19 Counselling sessions will be delivered via phone/web messaging or video-conferencing. Find out more about the TU Dublin counselling service.

Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

Trinity College Dublin (TCD) offers free, confidential and non-judgemental counselling support to registered students of Trinity College Dublin and the Marino Institute of Education, who are experiencing personal and/or academic concerns. Their  experienced counselling team are fully qualified and registered clinical and counselling psychologists/psychotherapists.

They offer online, one-to-one and group counselling services. Find out more about the TCD counselling service.

University College Cork (UCC)

The UCC counselling service is currently working remotely. They are offering one-to-one telephone counselling appointments, and students will also be able to sign up for video appointments. Contact [email protected] to make an appointment. Find out more about the UCC counselling service.

University College Dublin (UCD)

The UCD Student Counselling Service is a free and confidential service offering counselling to students with fully qualified, professional counsellors. Their counsellors are there to support students with any personal issues that might be impacting on their mental wellbeing. Their website offers you information on what they do, how to make an appointment and what you can expect if you decide to attend for an appointment.

While campus is closed due to COVID-19, Student Counselling is offering services remotely online and over telephone. Find out more about the UCD student counselling service.

University of Limerick

The counselling service at University of Limerick, Éist Student Counselling and Wellbeing, offers counselling services to their students. They offer a drop-in service for students. You can make an appointment at [email protected] – find out more about Student Counselling and Wellbeing at UL.

IT counselling services

Athlone IT

AIT Student Counselling Service provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment in which students can discuss any emotional or psychological difficulties they may be experiencing. The counsellor will use their training and expertise to help you clarify what issues are impacting on you and your life, and then help you to explore how you can find better or different ways to live and different perspectives.

To protect staff and students during the COVID-19 pandemic, counselling is taking place via telephone and/or video. Students can choose to have video on or off for themselves and/or for the counsellor. Daily brief telephone consultations with a counsellor replace our Walk-in service 2 – 3pm each day. The brief consultation must be booked in the morning before 11am by phoning 090 6468063 or emailing [email protected], requesting “Phone Consultation”. For more information visit the AIT counselling webpage.

Cork IT (CIT)

The Cork IT counselling service is there to offer support to students experiencing a range of difficulties, including anxiety or depression, relationship issues, bereavement, academic problems, or other issues that are affecting their wellbeing. Due to COVID-19 the CIT Student Counselling Service are working remotely and offering sessions through Microsoft Teams, Skype and over the phone. Contact [email protected] to book a session. Find out more about the CIT counselling service.

Dundalk IT (DKIT)

As a result of Covid restrictions, the DKIT counselling service will be offering a “blended ” service which means you can have appointments remotely through Microsoft teams by video text or phone depending on your circumstances. There will also be face to face appointments available with appropriate precautions. To make an appointment contact [email protected].

Galway Mayo IT (GMIT)

The Counselling Services at GMIT offer a safe, open and non-judgemental place to discuss whatever your concerns are. Talking it over with a trained professional can sometimes help students to see things more clearly, make choices and develop more effective ways of coping. Whatever is on your mind, we are here to listen, and help you to achieve your full potential during your time spent at GMIT. You may wish to explore academic, personal or mental health concerns. You can speak with a Counsellor about any issue, no matter how big or small. Find out more about the GMIT counselling service.

Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire (IADT)

IADT offers counselling services and positive mental health and wellbeing resources to all their students. The Student Counselling Service remains available during the college closure in the form of online sessions via Microsoft Teams as well as phone call consultations. You can make an appointment via email at [email protected], and emergency consultations are available weekdays from 9am-9:30am at (01) 239 4650 and via video call. Find out more about the IADT counselling service.

IT Carlow

IT Carlow offer counselling services to support students to work through any problems they may be experiencing and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves and their situation. You can make an appointment to see a counsellor by contacting the Student Services Office on 059 9175600 or email counselling@itcarlow – find out more about the IT Carlow counselling service.

IT Sligo

The IT Sligo Student Counselling Service aims to provide a confidential support service that is free of charge to all students. The service is available to help students work through any issues they are experiencing that may be impacting on their mental health in a non-judgemental and confidential setting. Their services are offered on an appointment basis – students can email [email protected] or phone (083) 002 5881 or (087) 356 1756. Find out more about the IT Sligo student counselling service.

IT Tralee

IT Tralee offers a free counselling service to students on both campuses from 9am-5L30pm, Monday – Friday. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the counselling service will be operating online and via telephone until further notice. Find out more about the IT Tralee counselling service.

Letterkenny IT

The Letterkenny IT student counselling service is there to help students work through any issues that may be bothering them or any problems that are impacting on their mental health. They give priority to emergency cases. You can make an appointment by emailing [email protected] or calling the Student Services Administrator on (074) 918 6855. Find out more about the Letterkenny IT counselling service.

Limerick IT

The counselling services at LIT allow students time and space in a confidential setting to explore any issues that might be concerning them. They provide services to the Moylish, LSAD, Thurles and Clonmel campuses. Their counsellors are specially trained to listen and provide support a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Students can book an appointment on their website. Find out more about the Limerick IT counselling service.

Waterford IT (WIT)

WIT Student Counselling service offers counselling services to full time students. Their counsellors are fully qualified mental health professionals and all sessions are free of charge.

During COVID-19 the WIT Student Counselling Service are providing video and phone sessions remotely. Students can make an appointment to see the counsellor on their website under ‘Appointments and Cancellations‘. Find out more about the WIT counselling service.

Other Higher Education Institutions

Carlow College, St Patrick’s

The Student Counselling Service at Carlow College, St Patrick’s is a free, professional and confidential service which is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Students can access professional one-to-one counselling to talk about a range of issues that may be impacting on their lives, from relationship issues, emotional issues, dealing with loss, problems in college, mental health difficulties, or anything else that may be going on.

Appointments can be made by emailing [email protected] or phoning (059) 915 3225 or (085) 756 4441 between 9am and 5pm. Find out more about the Carlow College counselling service.

Marino Institute of Education

Marino Institute of Education student counselling is offered by Trinity College Dublin (TCD). They offer free, confidential and non-judgemental counselling support to students who are experiencing personal and/or academic concerns.

They offer online, one-to-one and group counselling services. Find out more about the TCD counselling service.

Mary Immaculate College

Mary Immaculate College provides a professional, on-campus Counselling Service available to all students, free of charge. This service provides all students with the opportunity to talk in a confidential setting about any issues which they may not feel comfortable discussing with anyone else.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the counselling service will be offering blended options, with counsellors both on campus and offering online counselling via Zoom. To get in touch with the counselling service you can email [email protected] – find out more about the Mary Immaculate College counselling service.

National College of Art and Design (NCAD)

The NCAD Student Counselling Service is a confidential and free service for students. Their counsellor is a fully qualified professional, there to support students with any issues they may be experiencing that are impacting on their mental health. Appointments can be made by emailing [email protected] or by texting (087) 951 9819. Find out more about the NCAD Student Counselling Service.

National College of Ireland (NCI)

NCI provides a free counselling service for students who need support. The Student Counselling and Wellness Service provides a space where students can talk about any difficulties they may be facing. Due to COVID-19 NCI are currently offering their counselling services over the phone. Students can make an appointment by emailing [email protected] – find out more about the NCI student counselling services.

Royal Irish Academy of Music

The Royal Irish Academy of Music can provide counselling support to students. Their supports are offered both in-house and through the Clanwilliam Institute. Students interested in counselling support can find the details on the Student Support pages on Moodle. Contact details for their student counsellors are also available on the Support Service section of their website.

St Angela’s College

The counselling service at St. Angela’s College is there to support students dealing with challenges or difficulties that they may be experiencing. This includes college problems, relationship problems, loneliness, or other issues that are affecting their mental health. The first six sessions are free of charge, then a minimal €10 charge per session applies.

Students can make an appointment by calling or texting (087) 660 9209 or emailing [email protected] – find out more about the St. Angela’s College counselling service.

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